If you are buying in NYC it is imperative that you use an attorney whose practice consists mainly of NYC real estate. Don't use a litigator who does closings on the side and don't use a Long Island or NJ attorney. There are nuances in NYC real estate that they just won't be familiare enough with. Feel free to contact me for a recommendation. I get nothing for it - this is merely to help you.

jlevy@halstead.com

Hi Miranda,

If you are purchasing a co-op in any of the 5 boroughs, it is impertive that you use an attorney that is well versed in Co-op Law. There are plenty of lawyers that fit this bill, but some people think that they can use their "Uncle Charlie" from Ithaca who has done law his whole life and is a "great" lawyer (I.E. he is free). Unfortunately, "Uncle Charlie" wouldn't know a co-op from a town-house and so he is less than useless. In Manhattan, you can expect to pay between $1250-$2000 (flat fee). In the Boroughs it can vary from $800-$1500. These are Co-op prices. Condo and House prices will vary and should be discussed at length with each attorney individually.

I always suggest speaking to an attorney when you start looking for for a place or when you first decide to sell so that the search process does not hold up any potential deal at all.

I would suggest finding someone who is recommended by a good, experienced Realtor. The reason is that they will usually suggest people who will know how to work well with clients and also want someone who will be able to handle the deal in a straight-forward professional manner. The Good experienced Realtor also won't recommend someone who will make them look bad.

My criteria for an attorney are; Efficient, Strong Negotiating Skills (since they probably will have to do a little negotiating), Experienced, Moderately Priced and Treat Their Clients Nicely. Don't take the last one lightly. There are plenty of attorneys who have no sense of responsibility to their clients and treat them poorly. I believe that that is an unacceptable position for anyone in a service industry to take.

My top Attorney's that I like to suggest in no particular order are below. They fit all of my criteria.

Leon Seidman
212-769-4343

Jenni-Elena Rubino
914-699-6052

Errikka Kalomiris
718-543-2302

Please Feel free to contact me if you have any more questions.

JOE GREENE
Broker/Owner
WEICHERT, REALTORS - House & Home
(917) 974-2600 (Cell)
joegreene@weichert.com

Miranda, I have a real estate attorney who has handled my personal dealings, purchases/sales for my chidlren and for all of my clients...I recommend no other. If you wish to contact me for his information, email me at Gail@GailGladstone.com and I will recommend him with no reservations.

Miranda,

There is a wonderful website designed to assist people like yourself to identify professional services. It covers all types of services and includes recommendations of previous customers.

It might be worthwhile to investigate what it has to offer.
http://www.linkedin.com

Best wishes,
The Eckler Team

Several different ways to do it.

First, ask your Realtor for recommendations. It's likely he or she can suggest several. Then interview them (yes, you're allowed to interview them.) Ask specifically what their fees are. And ask what services they recommend or will provide.

Second, it's likely your county bar association can provide some names. They won't provide a single recommendations, but they will (typically) provide the names of 3 or so attorneys who specialize in real estate. It doesn't necessarily mean they're good, but it does mean they're in good standing with the bar association and they focus on real estate. Again, interview them and ask about their fee schedule.

Real estate practices differ geographically--in some areas attorneys just review documents; in other areas they also do the negotiating. In any case, though, you should have an attorney lined up by the time you begin your transaction. Do NOT wait until you've signed some documents. That's way too late.

As for whether the fee schedule is appropriate, as I suggested above, interview multiple lawyers. Ask what their fees are. It's likely that they'll be in the same general range. If one seems excessively high--or suspiciously inexpensive--be very careful. But the interview process will give you a good sense of what a good, competitive rate should be.

Hope that helps.